McCoy Millworkhttp://mccoymillwork.com
Mon, 21 May 2018 20:19:42 +0000en-UShourly1Beginners Guide to a Staircase Remodelhttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-a-staircase-remodel/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-a-staircase-remodel/#respondTue, 03 Apr 2018 19:24:31 +0000http://mccoymillwork.com/?p=10333The inevitable time has come, the dated look of your staircase is in desperate need of an update but where do you begin? Here is a helpful step by step to approaching your remodel project. Do your research and set your … Continued

The inevitable time has come, the dated look of your staircase is in desperate need of an update but where do you begin? Here is a helpful step by step to approaching your remodel project.

Do your research and set your budget– It is crucial to get a firm grasp on what you are getting into with a stair remodel. Pricing a stair remodel can vary in price depending on the scale of the project from the low end ($1000-$2000) up to the higher end ($10,000-$20,000+). Your budget is going to dictate how far you are going to be able to go with your update. If you are looking for a simple update on a low budget, you might consider painting your components, or potentially adding a carpet runner. If you are ready to go all in with a full remodel, set a realistic budget that should include materials & labor for installation and finishing.

Choose a design style and research product availability-In this modern era of media saturation, it is easy to be overwhelmed by design styles. Sites like Pinterest and Houzz are great for inspiration but beware that often these ideas and photos include materials that are often custom, difficult to locate, and can be incredibly pricey. Consult with a local building materials supplier; a knowledgeable salesperson can help you navigate your options. You will want to be prepared to answer the following questions:

Am I looking to paint or stain my materials?

Do I want all wood components, or a mix of other material such as metal or glass?

Am I fully replacing the entire stair, or just some components like the handrail, balusters, or treads only?

After the selection process is complete, you should be able to get a rough estimate for the cost of materials and applicable lead times. Keep in mind if you are looking to restore or reuse some of your existing stair components, stairs are assembled with a great deal of glue and hardware, because of this some components may not be salvageable. Also, what may seem like a simple update, such as replacing carpet with hardwood, could involve structural changes which could require a complete rebuild, including framing.

Consult and hire a Contractor- We definitely applaud the ambition of today’s DIY’ers, however stair building and restoration is a highly specialized process that requires an advance degree of carpentry skill and proficiency. Because of this, we emphatically recommend hiring a professional to do your work. It is critical to look for contractors that have a history of stair building and can offer a portfolio of previous projects, it is also a good idea to verify this contractor’s license and any possible issues before hiring them. Do not be afraid to shop around get a few bids in order to narrow down your choice. Websites Houzz, Home Advisor, Angie’s List and the Construction Contractors Board (Oregon) are a great place to research local Contractors.

If DIY’ing, check for building code compliance-If you are feeling adventurous and ready to take the plunge, you need to make sure that you thoroughly research your local building codes to ensure compliance. You may be required to obtain a permit. Take photos and create plans and drawings to help visualize your project and to assist in figuring out your material list. Take your time and do your due diligence. There are YouTube videos and informative blogs that can help assist you along the way. Here are a couple of resources to get you started on your journey:

Local suppliers can often offer recommendations for preferred Contractors and are great resources when it comes to products and supplies but can’t necessarily offer installation advice. When in doubt, follow the Carpenter’s rule; “Measure twice and cut once”. Best of luck!

We hope this helps you get headed in the right direction on your stair remodel journey. As one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest distributors of stair parts, McCoy Millwork, is available to answer any questions about your project, assist in material selection and refer licensed, local stair contractors.

Jessica HiteSales Representative at McCoy Millwork

Photos courtesy of Jeff Shaffer Construction

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-a-staircase-remodel/feed/0New Product – Just in Time for Springhttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/new-product-just-time-spring/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/new-product-just-time-spring/#respondThu, 08 Mar 2018 00:57:12 +0000http://mccoymillwork.com/?p=10324Hello Portland! We’ve got a lot planned for the coming couple of months. We are working on new product and a new product catalog. Here are a few of items we’ve secured to get things started. Two styles – a … Continued

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/new-product-just-time-spring/feed/0Feeney Cable Rail – in stock at McCoy Millworkhttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/feeney-cable-rail-in-stock-at-mccoy-millwork/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/feeney-cable-rail-in-stock-at-mccoy-millwork/#respondFri, 15 May 2015 00:10:14 +0000http://mccoymillwork.com/?p=8987Cable Rail – we are seeing it more and more just driving around town. Stairs, esplanades, bridges, balconies – it’s an ideal solution! Cable rail is applicable for interior applications too. Open stair systems, landings, balconies: anywhere you have a … Continued

Posts – Metal or wood; new or existing; you have options! Spacing is important; cable is flexible and requires intermediate support.

Hand rail – Anything goes, as long as it meets codes.

McCoy Millwork stocks Standard Assemblies; everything you need in one package.
Start with the Threaded Terminal fitting. This end is factory swaged to 1/8” cables in 5’, 10’, 15’, 20’, 25’, 30’, 40’ and 50’ lengths and comes with a washer and nut.
Finish with the Quick Connect®SS fitting with washer.

Accessories available:

Beveled washers

End caps

Protective sleeves (for wood posts)

Surface mount quick connects, screws included

And you have to have Tools:

Lacing needle

Wire cutter

Quick release tool

Cleaner

Feeney Cable Rail makes measuring and installing a snap. Pre-packaged, complete kits make selection simple; Installation instruction and technical support make Feeney Cable Rail user friendly. Not sure what you need? McCoy Millwork can help you find out. Bring us your plan and we’ll do the take off work.

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/feeney-cable-rail-in-stock-at-mccoy-millwork/feed/0Introducing New, modern mouldings – Architectural Series – by Ferche Millwork, Inchttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/introducing-new-modern-mouldings-architectural-series-by-ferche-millwork-inc-2/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/introducing-new-modern-mouldings-architectural-series-by-ferche-millwork-inc-2/#respondTue, 25 Mar 2014 18:20:29 +0000http://mccoymillwork.wordpress.com/?p=423Ferche Millwork, a hardwoods mill in Minnesota, has introduced the Architectural Series of mouldings. These new trim pieces, designed my architects, target remodelers and home builders looking for something new and innovative. These architect designed moulding options consist of coordinated … Continued

Ferche Millwork, a hardwoods mill in Minnesota, has introduced the Architectural Series of mouldings. These new trim pieces, designed my architects, target remodelers and home builders looking for something new and innovative. These architect designed moulding options consist of coordinated crown, casing, base, and chair rail sets. The designs are classic with innovative additions bringing a welcome and interesting modern twist to common, everyday moulding.

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/introducing-new-modern-mouldings-architectural-series-by-ferche-millwork-inc-2/feed/0A quick look at Moulding by Metriehttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/a-quick-look-at-metrie-2/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/a-quick-look-at-metrie-2/#respondTue, 11 Feb 2014 17:00:23 +0000http://mccoymillwork.wordpress.com/?p=389Justin, our showroom manager, has just returned from a nice, sunny break in Las Vegas – where he attended the International Builders Show. He brought back more information on the new Metrie, formerly Moulding and Millwork, product line. We have some … Continued

]]>Justin, our showroom manager, has just returned from a nice, sunny break in Las Vegas – where he attended the International Builders Show. He brought back more information on the new Metrie, formerly Moulding and Millwork, product line. We have some printed information today, more coming Thursday this week.

Here’s the Metrie scoop:

TrueCraft moulding collection brought to you by Metrie

Five coordinated collections with every piece needed to completely trim a room from floor to ceiling, including coordinated specialty doors!

French Curves – Classic forms of the Baroque and Empire periods. Go Glamour or Shabby Chic

Pretty Simple – Inspired by the Colonial period. Go Folk Art or Country

True Craft – The look and feel of Craftsman. Go Prairie Style or North West Bungalow

Very Square – Contemporary. Go Urban Edge or Asian Zen.

Some innovative products and ideas you might want to check out:

Ikons (also known as rosettes or corner blocks) forget the traditional door applications, they can be used in so many unique ways with the new patterns. Try framing a mirror or using as onlays on mantels or doors.

Architraves have been in use for ages – but you’ve never seen them look like this before! Unique new shapes for windows and door trim.

milling custom profiles – All the profiles we’ve run so far can be seen by typing “custom” in the search bar on any main page of our website. Lead time 2-3 weeks.

Need more information? We’ve added a Custom page to our website with info about what we need to know in order to help you navigate finding and creating historic or unique trim pieces; click the link or look for it in the “catalog” drop down menu on the menu bar.

Next time you visit us ask for a tour – we’d be happy to show you around the shop and/or warehouse.

We can ease, sand, rip and plane our lumber as well as lumber that you bring to us. Clean lumber only please!

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/mccoy-does-millwork-2/feed/0Terminology Question: “How come when I buy a 1×4, it actually measures ¾” x 3 ½”?”http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/terminology-question-how-come-when-i-buy-a-1x4-it-actually-measures-%c2%be-x-3-%c2%bd-2/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/terminology-question-how-come-when-i-buy-a-1x4-it-actually-measures-%c2%be-x-3-%c2%bd-2/#respondWed, 27 Feb 2013 22:50:13 +0000http://mccoymillwork.wordpress.com/?p=347Answer: There are several reasons. The first thing that you will find is that both lumber and moldings are thinner than they used to be. Much of this has to do with environmental practices and technology that allow us to … Continued

Answer: There are several reasons. The first thing that you will find is that both lumber and moldings are thinner than they used to be. Much of this has to do with environmental practices and technology that allow us to get a much better yield out of every tree cut. This drastically cuts down on waste. The second reason pertaining to lumber, is that the “nominal” size, is the size of the wood before it is ripped and planed to clean it up. After this process is complete, the actual dimensions of the lumber will be less.

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/terminology-question-how-come-when-i-buy-a-1x4-it-actually-measures-%c2%be-x-3-%c2%bd-2/feed/0Is my house a Craftsman?http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/321/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/321/#respondThu, 14 Feb 2013 21:01:48 +0000http://mccoymillwork.wordpress.com/?p=321Craftsman style homes are abundant in the Portland area, yet many people are unaware of what makes a Craftsman home. In order to understand Craftsman style design we need to first look at the Victorian period. Victorian style homes where … Continued

]]>Craftsman style homes are abundant in the Portland area, yet many people are unaware of what makes a Craftsman home. In order to understand Craftsman style design we need to first look at the Victorian period. Victorian style homes where heavily influenced by the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Advances in technology and the use of machinery lead to the ability to produce extremely ornate trim in a short period of time. Victorian homes are known for an overabundance of detail, intricate designs and heavy use of turned stair balusters and newels. In response to the Industrial Revolution and its effect on home design, a new movement gained steam in England called the “Arts and Crafts” movement. The main tenants of the Arts and Crafts design focused on the artisan,stressing craftsmanship and handmade products. In Southern California this movement combined some elements of Asian architecture and became known as the Craftsman style.

Generally speaking, Craftsman interior styles are simple, streamlined and angular. Window and door treatments tend to use dimensional lumber with a simple parting bead and possibly and craftsman cove as a lintel. Bases were often two piece build ups consisting of dimensional lumber with a craftsman style base cap on top. One of the main tenants of Craftsman design was to use local materials. Here in Portland you will find primarily Fir, Hemlock and some White Oak in craftsman homes.

Staircases generally consist of a simple hand rail with square box newels, and square balusters. If extra detail was desired a simple chamfer could be run on the balusters.

Finally, every Craftsman home has a porch of some sort. The porch railing will usually be very similar to any interior railings. A hallmark element on any craftsman porch is the tapered craftsman column. Most often this will consist of square pedestal with a tapered column on top of it.

As always, our showroom offers several great examples of Craftsman moldings and stair parts and several mantels as well. Craftsman columns are also available by special order.

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/321/feed/0A Machine for Living Inhttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/a-machine-for-living-in/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/a-machine-for-living-in/#respondThu, 24 Jan 2013 00:10:56 +0000http://mccoymillwork.wordpress.com/?p=260In a world of new technologies and conveniences, architects thrive to design buildings and homes that are thrilling and full of imagination and artistry. We no longer build to connect the human to God but more to the humans’ ability … Continued

]]>In a world of new technologies and conveniences, architects thrive to design buildings and homes that are thrilling and full of imagination and artistry. We no longer build to connect the human to God but more to the humans’ ability to push boundaries.

Le-Corbusier

Le Corbusier, also known as Corbu, is one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. He is credited for bringing architecture into the technological age. His most famous dictum was “a house is a machine for living in.” Corbu believed that new architecture was machine-like in many ways: the machine-like materials used and methods of construction, the machine-like efficiency, its serving physical and psychological needs, and the resemblance to machinery. He believed homes and buildings were to be as beautiful and efficient as the best new machinery.7

The early work of Corbu was closely related to nature, but his ideas evolved to follow the new technological advancements in architecture. He trademarked his “five points of new architecture” which is his idea of how modern design should include. The Villa Savoye in Poissy, Paris he designed in 1929 was first home he designed using following the five points.6

The Villa Savoye, Poissy, Paris

1) The elimination of the ground story elevated by pillars, “pilotis,” which are freestanding columns;

2) A flat roof, used as a garden terrace or enabling more manipulation to the body of the building;

3) An open floor plan by eliminating non-supporting wall partitions and having pillars become an aesthetic feature;

4) The look of freestanding glass facades “curtain walls;”

5) “Ribbon windows” are structural concrete being used as a mechanism of heating/cooling and a sunscreen to control natural lighting.6

His later work uses these same points in larger buildings and multi-unit housing. Corbu’s “five points” have inspired architecture we know now and taking full advantage and pushing boundaries of new technologies.

A House on Pillars, Hungary

In Hungary, “A House on Pillars” designed by Allhitecture in 2009 uses Point One. This house is nested in a forest and the pillars are meant to not only mimic the tree trunks surrounding, but to also reduce the amount of footprint on the forest ground.2

In Singapore, “Sky Garden House” designed by Guz Architects in 2010 uses Point Two. Space was limited in this town.

Sky Garden House, Singapore

The homes are smaller and close together. This home is multi-leveled using green roof to create a feel of terrain for the sides which had neighbors. The home was closed off with solid wall of grass for privacy. The multiple rooflines provided a base for the story above and allowed each level to feel like its own dwelling.3

In New York City, “White Street Lofts”, by Andrew Berman in 2009 uses Point Three. The idea for these lofts was to have as much open shared space in the loft and maximizing daylight from the north and south. By exposing columns in the space, this was achieved while at the same time having private areas to retreat.1

White Street Lofts, New York City

In Austrailia, “Kay House” by Maria Gigney Architects in 2002 uses Point Four. The glass and steel home was designed to play with the juxtaposition of the lakeside property it resides on and the view of city behind it. Corbu’s fourth point claims the “look” of freestanding glass. This home was able to cover the entire façade and roofline in glass.9

Kay House, Australia

In Maryland, USA, the “Louver House” by Ziger/Snead in 2010 uses Point Five. This home is considered a “super insulated structure.” The architects wanted to play with the potential connections between energy efficiency and great design. This wooden louver “skin” creates a moisture barrier and protects the building from UV rays while flooding the home with natural sunlight.8

What mattered to Corbu was not the function or structure but the potential in design for space and volume by taking advantage of new technology. He created well accomplished and respected buildings and became one the pioneers and major influences of modern architecture we know now.7

]]>http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/a-machine-for-living-in/feed/0HEIHO of the Carpenterhttp://mccoymillwork.com/blog/heiho-of-the-carpenter/
http://mccoymillwork.com/blog/heiho-of-the-carpenter/#respondWed, 09 Jan 2013 21:35:27 +0000http://mccoymillwork.wordpress.com/?p=242Heiho means, the way. The way of the Carpenter. In the classic text of Samurai Sword Strategy, The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, he describes the Carpenter as the greatest strategist of all. Musashi said that the master … Continued

Heiho means, the way. The way of the Carpenter. In the classic text of Samurai Sword Strategy, The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, he describes the Carpenter as the greatest strategist of all.

Musashi said that the master carpenter was a man who knew where to place the ugly straight woods for support and the soft straight wood for lintels. The master carpenter would also know how to delegate responsibility according to ability. In other words, he could read people and assign tasks according to how well he knew they worked.

Musashi knew that the Samurai and the master carpenter were the same. Each only cared about the cut, and each prepared diligently for the cut of the blade. To both, the blade was all, and the preparation to use the blade was a ritual beyond a layman’s understanding. From the Samurai and the carpenter’s point of view, the blade and the cut is all that matters.

The cut of the carpenter is made only after diligent preparation and the ritual of measuring twice before you cut once. The cut of the Samurai is made only after diligent preparation and the ritual repetition of technique, so that when the blade is used, it is a cut that is clean and quick, same as the carpenter. It’s all about the cut and the best way to get there is to have a strategy. Hence, the understanding that the Carpenter was the first Samurai. How is this you ask? Let me show you.

At the beginning of time when man was still in the caves and hunted his food by hand, it was a very bright individual who reached down and grabbed a pieced of wood, recognized it as a tool, and then, used it to kill his next meal to feed his mate and offspring. A piece of wood used as a club. That club was swung the same way a sword would have been swung. At that moment in time, the club was a dull sword. The birth of the Carpenter and the Samurai were both on the same day.

All he had to do to become the first real wood worker was to take a longer straighter piece of wood, sharpen its end, learn to throw it with accuracy, and he had a crude spear. Next came the bow and arrows without arrowheads. What a Carpenter.

With these few advancements in wooden tools, man could kill more food faster and better and begin to stockpile his achievements. With longer sticks and sewn hides, the first Carpenter became the first homebuilder, the first hunter, and the first protector of his family, clan or tribe.

The carpenter/protector/hunter, then added a rock to his club, a sharpened rock to his spear and another to his arrows, making him the first metallurgist, and the really first good killer of things and his fellow men. It didn’t take the Carpenter long to learn to melt metal and learn to make real swords and spear heads and arrowheads. From the Carpenter, all trades were born. The Carpenter was first; all the rest followed his lead.

Among the Great Plains Indian tribes, the making of hunting instruments and tools of warfare was usually delegated to one individual in the tribe. He didn’t have to hunt for food to feed his family. The rest of the tribe paid for his labors by keeping him and his family fed and clothed and housed. He was an important person in his tribe. All he had to do was make bows and arrows and spears and tomahawks and what ever any one else wanted made. Things like bowls and cups. He was a craftsman. He was a carpenter, and his trade was usually handed down to his sons.

In the religions based on the Christian faith, God was the first builder of all things and his son Jesus Christ told his disciples that he builds, in his father’s abode, many mansions for those that believe in him. Sounds like two Carpenters to me. Jesus was raised as the son of a Carpenter, Joseph. So I guess it shows it’s all about building, and you can’t get there without a Carpenter.

The birth of the Carpenter is the birth of all the other trades, Without the Carpenter the world would not be what it is today. There is nothing in our world today that we can build that did not come from a Carpenter first.

Building a staircase is the epitome of the home building Carpenters skills. There are many Carpenters who don’t build staircases and then there are staircase Carpenters who only build staircases and claim not to be Carpenters. They claim to be stair guys not Carpenters. You can’t build stairs without being a Carpenter first. No one just jumps into staircase building without learning to be a Carpenter first. You can’t run before you learn how to walk.

Not every Carpenter wants to build staircases. It takes a very skilled Carpenter who both understands the high degree of math and geometry that it takes to build staircases. Any Carpenter can install a door and wrap it, wrap a window or run base molding. But the mentality it takes to build a staircase is beyond the average Carpenter. Building a staircase is an involved process most Carpenters shy away from because it takes too much time or too much mental skill for them to want to use. They would rather blow and go.

If a Carpenter who builds a staircase for a patron is good at what he does, in essence, he leaves behind a Mona Lisa for his patron and others to enjoy. He is an artist in wood. I personally think it is an honor and a privilege to be invited into a patrons home to leave my craft behind for them to enjoy for many years, Without them and their desires for good wood working in their homes, I would not be what I am today, a Carpenter.